Opening Night

Performance Details

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER

The Festival launches with an extraordinary Opening Night celebration, offering a thrilling preview of the remarkable artistry and innovation to come throughout the season. Bringing together stars of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Colorado Ballet, and other acclaimed artists, the evening reflects the Festival’s expansive vision—honoring the rich traditions of dance while embracing today’s most dynamic creative voices.

The evening’s highlights will include: New York City Ballet principal Mira Nadon in the role of Princess Aurora in the Rose Adagio from The Sleeping Beauty; American Ballet Theatre principal Herman Cornejo returns to the Festival to join New York City Ballet principal Indiana Woodward in their debut performance together in Jerome Robbins’ Three Chopin Dances; New York City Ballet stars Sara Mearns and Chun Wai Chan in George Balanchine’s haunting Elegie from Tchaikovsky Suite #3, joined by artists of Colorado Ballet; and New York City Ballet principal Unity Phelan makes her debut on Martha Graham’s evocative Moon duet alongside Lloyd Knight of the Martha Graham Dance Company.

The evening will also feature appearances by celebrated artists Lil Buck, Adji Cissoko, and Robbie Fairchild, among others, in a program spanning classical masterworks, contemporary innovation, and genre defying performance. Together, these extraordinary artists and companies set the stage for a Festival season filled with bold creativity, exceptional talent, and unforgettable moments.

This evening’s performance is generously underwritten by Lisa Tannebaum & Donald Brownstein and Senenne & Marc Philippon.

Casting and repertory are subject to change.

Photo credit: Sara Mearns and Chun Wai Chan with Colorado Ballet in “ÉLÉGIE” choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust during International Evenings of Dance I on 8.1.25 at Vail Dance Festival 2025. Photo By Christopher Duggan.